Echo Lake recognized by Apple

Echo Lake recognized by Apple

Echo Lake Elementary in Shoreline has been selected as an “Apple Distinguished School” for the second consecutive year for its work integrating technology into the classroom.

The Apple Distinguished School designation is reserved for schools that have implemented a 21st century vision of education using Apple technology.

This year, Echo Lake is one of just 33 schools Apple is recognizing nationwide.

“The school’s continued accomplishments in creating a digital learning environment that prepares students for future success warrants this ongoing recognition,” said John Couch, vice president for education with Apple.

Apple representative Bob Whicker presented the award to Echo Lake principals Mary Koontz and Paul Shanahan at the April 13 Shoreline School Board meeting.

Echo Lake was the first in the District to pilot a one-to-one laptop program. It has since grown to include Shoreline’s two middle schools, two high schools, and fifth and sixth-grade classrooms at all nine elementary schools. A 2006 bond issue approved by Shoreline voters has helped the District fund its classroom technology program.

Three Echo Lake teachers — Shanahan, Paul Witzel and Shari Wennik, have been previously named as Apple Distinguished Educators in recognition of their expertise in educational technology leadership.

Echo Lake Book Fair was a success

The Echo Lake Book Fair raised $1,800 in cash profit on $9,300 in sales. Also, $614 in books were purchased an 24 books were donated to classrooms. The money raised will be used to purchase new books and replace old ones.

Dance workshop is May 9

The Shorecrest hip-hop dance team’s dance workshop for kids is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 9 at Shorecrest High School. The workshop is for ages 9-12. No dance experience necessary. Cost is $40 which will go toward raising money for the hip-hop team’s trip to nationals in the 2009-2010 season. Registration is required. Contact Rex Kinney at rexkinney@gmail.com or go to www.shorecresthiphop.com to register.

Shorewood student wins honors

Paul Bartell, a sophomore at Shorewood High School, won first place in Networking Concepts and Technology Concepts, and third in computer problem solving at the Washington State Future Business Leaders of America Competition April 9-11 in Spokane.

Students from more than 200 high schools participated in several of the competitive events ranging from accounting, business, computers, management, marketing, public speaking and finance.

Shoreline modulars get award

The Modular Building Institute (MBI) gave Baltimore, Md.-based Williams Scotsman, a builder of mobile and modular spaces, an award of distinction for its permanent modular buildings added to eight Shoreline school sites during summer 2008.

The modular structures are located at Briarcrest, Brookside, Echo Lake, Highland Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Parkwood, Ridgecrest and Syre elementary schools. They house the schools’ band and orchestra and extended-day learning programs.

The buildings were funded by a capital projects bond issue approved by Shoreline School District voters in 2006.

The Shoreline buildings assembled by Williams Scotsman received a first-place award for permanent education modular structures under 5,000 square feet. The awards honor innovation and design excellence within the commercial modular space industry.